So when Kerry bemoans the loss of Lugar, it simply validates the instincts of Indiana Republicans that Lugar's much-vaunted "bipartisanship" -- especially in recent years -- wasn't anything of the sort. Rather, it was simply code for his willingness to provide political cover for Democrats.
That, plus Lugar's contempt for home state voters -- manifested most overtly in his failure even to maintain an in-state address -- was enough to do him in. Indiana primary voters, quite rightly, once again reminded the political elites (as Massachusetts voters did two years ago) that US Senate seats don't belong to particular senators . . . they belong to the people.